Waltzing back to the era of Strauss

WHAT has been hailed as the definitive tribute to the ‘Waltz King’ Johann Strauss and his sparkling legacy is to take place at Harrogate’s Royal Hall.

The Johann Strauss Gala will celebrate the most popular music, dance and song from the Strauss family at the show on Friday, February 11.

The show will recreate the magical era of 19th Century Vienna which was awash with opulent parties, as people became hypnotized by the latest dance craze, the waltz.

In fact, the waltz started life as a peasant folk dance, however it was soon adopted by the urban classes and the market was cornered by Johann Strauss Snr, the grandfather of light music composers.

Within a matter of years, the Strauss family held a monopoly on the waltz and polka, as they fed the demand of Vienna’s dancing enthusiasts.

The Johann Strauss Gala captures the excitement felt by the citizens of Vienna, as they made the transition from the stately minuet to the freer, more expressive new dance forms.

Formed in 1975 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss, the Johann Strauss Gala showcases a delectable mix of Viennese music, dance and song which is as fresh today as it was then.

This enchanting show is performed annually across the UK and is recreated each year, especially crafted to highlight different aspects of the era.

The Johann Strauss Orchestra will be directed from the violin in traditional Viennese manner by Music Director, David Juritz, whose charm and charisma have made him a favourite with audiences across the country.

Many of the most popular songs of the day will be brought to life by sparkling soprano -soloist Amy Freston.

In addition to a wonderful programme including The Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Champagne Polka, Tritsch Tratsch Polka and The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, an integral part of the evening’s entertainment is provided by the Johann Strauss Dancers. Performing in gorgeous period costume, their routines capture and enhance the spirit of the music.

They have been created by award-winning choreographer Christopher Hampson whose work includes pieces for English National Ballet and Royal New Zealand Ballet.